LGIO MMA Strikes Strikeforce Deal

The Canada-based Let’s Get It On MMA promotion this week announced a deal with Strikeforce that will result in the winners of its 2010 lightweight and welterweight tournaments receiving contracts to the Strikeforce “Challengers” series.

Promoted by Elaine McCarthy, wife of famed mixed martial arts referee “Big” John McCarthy, LGIO will hold tournaments in the 155- and 170-pound divisions, spread across nine shows in two regions. Each division will be formatted into a 16-man draw. A non-tournament matchup pairing UFC veteran Jason MacDonald and former International Fight League middleweight champion Matt Horwich will headline the promotion’s debut event on April 23 in Enoch, Alberta, Canada.

Through an exclusive deal with Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker, McCarthy has embraced the idea of working with another promotion.

“I know that some Canadian promotions consider other promoters threats and rivals, and they circle their wagons to defend their territory,” McCarthy said in a release. “I believe that promotions can work together to create a win-win scenario for everyone. Scott Coker is giving our winning athletes a chance in a bigger show with bigger competition, which is great for the sport.”

Coker welcomes another potential talent pipeline for Strikeforce, which has television deals with CBS and Showtime.

“With the contracts Strikeforce awards,” he said, “we hope to further the careers of two young fighters who have the potential for a bright future in the sport.”